Structure Including Interlocking Containers

ABSTRACT

A container is disclosed. The container has a side part, an upper part, a lower part, and a cavity formed by the side part, the upper part, and the lower part. The container also has a material disposed in the cavity. The side part has at least one protrusion and at least one recess. The side part is permeable to water. The side part is also nonpermeable to the material disposed in the cavity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to a structure and, moreparticularly, to a structure including interlocking containers.

BACKGROUND

Structures formed from stackable elements such as sandbag structures areused in a wide variety of applications. Such structures may be used forerosion control at locations such as areas located near large bodies ofwater that are subject to flooding.

One patent that describes such structures is U.S. Pat. No. 3,886,751(the '751 patent) to Porraz Jimenez Labora, issued on Jun. 3, 1975. The'751 patent discloses a wall structure including a plurality ofcollapsible bags constructed of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene,or similar materials. The bags of the '751 patent are filled with anaggregate such as gravel. The bags include a plurality of protuberancesand indentations for interlocking the bags.

However, the structure of the '751 patent does not appear to possesssignificant lateral resistance to external forces. The bags of the '751patent appear to be made of nonporous material that does not allow theflow of liquid such as water into the material contained in the bag toincrease lateral resistance. Also, the bags disclosed in the '751 patentapparently do not provide for significant frictional resistance betweenthe bags to increase lateral resistance.

The present disclosure is directed to overcoming one or more of theshortcomings set forth above.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a container. Thecontainer includes a side part, an upper part, a lower part, and acavity formed by the side part, the upper part, and the lower part. Thecontainer also includes a material disposed in the cavity. The side partincludes at least one protrusion and at least one recess. The side partis permeable to water. The side part is also nonpermeable to thematerial disposed in the cavity.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed toward a method.The method includes providing a first container including a side partand a cavity, the side part of the first container including aprotrusion, and retaining a material in the cavity of the firstcontainer. The method also includes providing a second containerincluding a recess, inserting the protrusion of the first container intothe recess of the second container, and passing a fluid through the sidepart of the first container and into the cavity of the first container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary structure;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view of the exemplary structure;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a second exemplary structure;

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary container;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the exemplary container;

FIG. 6 is an elevation view of the exemplary container;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third exemplary structure;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the third exemplary structure;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the third exemplary structure;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a fourth exemplary structure;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a fifth exemplary structure;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a sixth exemplary structure;

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an exemplary erosion control system;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary military defense system;and

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of a second exemplary erosion controlsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary structure 10. Structure 10 mayinclude a plurality of containers (e.g., containers 15 and containers20). As described below, some exemplary embodiments of structure 10 mayalso include a fastening system 25 that may help to fasten the pluralityof containers of structure 10 together.

The plurality of containers (e.g., containers 15 and containers 20) maybe interlocking containers that interlock together to form structure 10.For example, each container 15 may include a protrusion 15 a, aprotrusion 15 b, a recess 15 c, and a recess 15 d. Also, for example,each container 20 may include a protrusion 20 a, a protrusion 20 b, arecess 20 c, and a recess 20 d. A plurality of containers 15 andcontainers 20 may interlock together via protrusions and recesses thatare configured to fit into each other. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, protrusion 15 a of a given container 15 may be received byrecess 20 d of a given container 20, protrusion 15 b of a givencontainer 15 may be received by recess 15 c of a given container 15,protrusion 20 a of a given container 20 may be received by recess 15 dof a given container 15, and protrusion 20 b of a given container 20 maybe received by recess 20 c of a given container 20. A plurality ofcontainers 15 and 20 may thereby interlock together to form structure10, as illustrated in FIG. 1. It is also contemplated that some or allcontainers of structure 10 may not have protrusions and/or recesses.

Containers 15 and 20 may be, for example, mirror images of each other,and may be arranged in alternating rows, as illustrated in FIG. 1. Forexample, containers 15 and 20 may be arranged in a pattern. For example,alternating rows of containers 15 and 20 may be arranged so that seams22 and 24 between adjacent containers are staggered between rows, asillustrated in FIG. 1. Also, for example, containers 15 may besubstantially similar in shape to each other, and containers 20 may besubstantially similar in shape to each other, with containers 15 beingshapes that are mirror images of containers 20, as illustrated inFIG. 1. The plurality of containers of structure 10 may also be anyother suitable shape and may be different from each other, as described,for example, below in other exemplary embodiments of structure 10.

Layers of interlocking containers 15 and 20 may be stacked on top ofeach other, as illustrated in FIG. 2. The stacked layers of interlockingcontainers may also be staggered in plan between stacked layers. Forexample, as illustrated in FIG. 2, central portions 15 e of containers15 of a given interlocking layer of containers may be aligned with endportions 15 f of containers 15 of interlocking layers disposed aboveand/or below the given interlocking layer. Similarly, central portionsof containers 20 of a given interlocking layer of containers may bealigned with end portions of containers 20 of interlocking layersdisposed above and/or below the given interlocking layer. Theinterlocking layers may be staggered in any other suitable manner suchas, for example, given portions of containers 15 of a given interlockinglayer being aligned with given portions of containers 20 of interlockinglayers disposed above and/or below the given interlocking layer.Structure 10 may include any suitable number of stacked interlockinglayers such as, for example, up to five stacked layers, up to tenstacked layers, or up to several dozens of stacked layers. It is alsocontemplated that structure 10 may include a single layer ofinterlocking containers.

Any suitable number of containers 15 and containers 20 may beinterlocked together to form structure 10. For example, as illustratedin FIG. 3, each given layer of interlocking containers may includenumerous containers, and may extend up to any suitable size in lengthand/or width. For example, stacked layers of structure 10 may extendfrom a few feet in length to over one hundred feet in length, up toseveral hundred feet in length, or may extend miles in length.Similarly, structure 10 may be any suitable width such as, for example,a few feet in width, up to ten feet in width, or up to several hundredfeet in width. It is also contemplated that structure 10 may extendcontinuously in both length and width over a large geographic area. Forexample, structure 10 may act as a protective blanket against surfaceerosion over a given area.

The plurality containers of structure 10 may include suitable containersfor retaining a material. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 4,container 15 may include an upper part 15 g, a side part 15 h, and alower part 15 i. A cavity 15 j may be formed by upper part 15 g, sidepart 15 h, and lower part 15 i. Upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and/orlower part 15 i may be parts of an integral container or may be separateparts that are attached to each other by any suitable method in the art.For example, upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and/or lower part 15 i maybe attached together by stitching, sewing, adhesive, and/or mechanicalfasteners. Some portions of upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and/orlower part 15 i may be attached together and some portions of upper part15 g, side part 15 h, and/or lower part 15 i may be integral with eachother. Upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and lower part 15 i may formcavity 15 j that may be filled with suitable material as describedbelow. Upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and lower part 15 i may beshaped to form protrusion 15 a, protrusion 15 b, recess 15 c, and/orrecess 15 d.

Container 15 may have any suitable dimensions for interlocking to formstructure 10. For example, container 15 may have relativewidth-to-length-to-depth dimensions of about 3:6:2. Also, container 15may have any other suitable relative width-to-length-to-depth dimensionssuch as, for example, a width of between about 2 and about 10 givenunits, a length of between about 2 and about 10 given units, and a depthof between about 1 and about 10 given units. For example, container 15may be between about 6 inches and about 5 feet in width, between about 6inches and about 5 feet in length, and between about 3 inches and about5 feet in depth. It is also contemplated that container 15 may havewidth, length, and/or depth dimensions of between about an inch andabout twenty or more feet. Container 15 may be any suitable shape suchas, for example, a substantially rectangular shape, a substantiallysquare shape, a substantially pyramid-like shape, and an irregularpolygon shape having any suitable number of faces. Container 15 may be aflexible container for retaining material such as, for example, a bag.It is also contemplated that container 15 may be a relatively stiffcontainer having some, little, or substantially no flexibility.

Side part 15 h may include one integral part or a plurality of partsthat are attached to upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i, or may bepartially or fully integral with upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i.Side part 15 h may be shaped to form protrusion 15 a, protrusion 15 b,recess 15 c, and recess 15 d.

Side part 15 h may be formed from any suitable material for containingmaterial. For example, side part 15 h may be formed from a material thatis both permeable to a fluid and nonpermeable to a material 30(described below) that may be contained in container 15 or container 20.For example, side part 15 h may be formed from a material that is bothpermeable to water and nonpermeable to material 30. Side part 15 h maybe formed from, for example, a woven fabric. Side part 15 h may be, forexample, nylon fabric. Also, for example, side part 15 h may be formedfrom any permeable textile that is permeable to water and nonpermeableto material 30. Further, for example, side part 15 h may be formed froma synthetic mesh material such as, for example, plastic mesh or wiremesh that is permeable to a fluid and nonpermeable to material 30,described below. For example, side part 15 h may be formed from aflexible, finely meshed plastic and/or finely meshed metal material.Also, for example, side part 15 h may be formed from any suitablenonpermeable material having fine perforations that allow the flow ofliquid such as water and that do not allow the passage of relativelycoarser material such as, for example, material 30. For example, sidepart 15 h may be formed from perforated wood, perforated sheet metal,perforated plastic, and/or perforated polymeric material. Some orsubstantially all of side part 15 h may include material that ispermeable to liquid such as water and nonpermeable to material 30. Sidepart 15 h may also be formed from substantially nonpermeable material.For example, side part 15 h may be formed from one or more ballisticmaterials. For example, side part 15 h may be formed from carbon fibercomposite material, para-aramid synthetic fiber (e.g., Kevlar®), metalssuch as steel or titanium, and/or polycarbonate. Upper part 15 g andlower part 15 i may be formed from material that is similar to thematerial of side part 15 h. When side part 15 h is formed from apermeable material, upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i may be formedfrom nonpermeable material. When side part 15 h is formed from anonpermeable material, upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i may beformed from permeable material. Also, side part 15 h, upper part 15 g,and lower part 15 i may all be formed from permeable material. Further,side part 15 h, upper part 15 g, and lower part 15 i may all be formedfrom nonpermeable material.

A cover 35 may be disposed on side part 15 h, as illustrated in FIGS.4-6. Cover 35 may also be disposed on upper part 15 g and/or lower part15 i. Cover 35 may be a single cover that covers substantially all ofside part 15 h or a single cover that covers some of side part 15 h.Alternatively, a plurality of covers 35 may cover some or substantiallyall of side part 15 h. One or more covers 35 may also cover portions ofupper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i or substantially all of upperpart 15 g and/or lower part 15 i. Cover 35 may be a removable cover thatmay be removably attached to container 15. Cover 35 may be removablyattached to side part 15 h by any suitable method in the art such as,for example, stitching, sewing, adhesive, and/or mechanical fasteners.For example, cover 35 may be removably attached by stitching, sewing,adhesion, and/or mechanical fastening to side part 15 h at the same timethat portions of side part 15 h, upper part 15 g, and/or lower part 15 imay be attached together. It is also contemplated that cover 35 may beremovably attached by stitching, sewing, adhesion, and/or mechanicalfastening to any portion of container 15. Because cover 35 may beremovably attachable to container 15, it may be removed at any suitabletime before, during, or after an installation of structure 10. Forexample, cover 35 may be ripped away from container 15 at any suitabletime before, during, or after an installation of structure 10.

Cover 35 may be formed from any suitable nonpermeable material. Cover 35may be formed from a nonpermeable that may seal side part 15 h andsubstantially prevent liquid from passing through side part 15 h. Forexample, cover 35 may substantially prevent premature saturation and/orhydration of material 30 by liquid such as water. Cover 35 may be formedfrom material such as, for example, polyvinyl. For example, cover 35 maybe a polyvinyl sheet or strip that is removably attached to side part 15h. Cover 35 may also be formed from one or more materials such as, forexample, non-permeable plastic, non-permeable natural material such asrubber or wood, non-permeable synthetic material such as elastomericmaterial, polymeric material, metallic material such as flexible sheetmetal, and/or composite material. For example, cover 35 may be formedfrom one or more materials such as, for example, poly(vinyl chloride),polyethylene, and/or polypropylene. For example, cover 35 may includeany suitable material that is substantially nonpermeable to water suchas, for example, plastic, composite material, metal, foam, and/or wood.For example, cover 35 may be a thin polyvinyl sheet.

Upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i may include a coating 40, asillustrated in FIGS. 4-6. Coating 40 may be disposed on exteriorsurfaces of upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i so that they aredisposed on an exterior of container 15. Coating 40 may be disposed onsome or substantially all of upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i. Itis also contemplated that coating 40 may be disposed on any exterior orinterior surfaces of container 15. Any suitable amount of coating 40 maybe disposed on container 15 at a constant or variable thickness. Forexample, coating 40 may be applied in a thin coating, a coating ofbetween about ⅛″ and about 1″, or at a thickness of several inches. Athickness of coating 40 may be substantially constant across thesurfaces of container 15, may vary across surfaces of container 15, ormay have portions of substantially constant thickness and portions ofvariable thickness.

Coating 40 may be formed from any suitable material that increases acoefficient of friction between surfaces of stacked layers of containers15. For example, coating 40 may be a material that increases frictionalresistance between upper part 15 g of a first container 15 and lowerpart 15 i of a second container 15 stacked on top of first container 15,and that increases frictional resistance between lower part 15 i ofsecond container 15 and upper part 15 g of a third container 15 stackedbelow second container 15. Coating 40 may thereby increase the lateralresistance of structure 10 by increasing frictional resistance betweenstacked containers 15. Coating 15 may be formed from any suitablematerial for increasing a coefficient of friction between surfaces suchas, for example, a rubberized coating. Coating 40 may include materialsuch as, for example, rubber, elastomers, crushed rock, sand, glass,plastic, metal, asphalt, and/or adhesives. For example, coating 40 maybe a mixture including some or all of the above material for increasinga coefficient of friction. For example, coating 40 may be a rubberizedmaterial including granular material such as sand. For example, coating40 may be a material having a static friction coefficient (μ_(s))between stacked surfaces coated with coating 40 of between about 0.4 andabout 1.4. For example, coating 40 may be a rubberized material having astatic friction coefficient (μ_(s)) between stacked surfaces coated withcoating 40 of between about 0.9 and about 1.3, or between about 1.1 andabout 1.2. Coating 40 may be an nonpermeable coating that substantiallyblocks a flow of liquid such as water through upper part 15 g and/orlower part 15 i. It is also contemplated that coating 40 may be apermeable coating. It is also contemplated that side part 15 h may becoated with coating 40.

Upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i may include a coating 45, asillustrated in FIG. 5. Coating 45 may be any suitable material formarking a surface of upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i. Forexample, coating 45 may be a material suitable for making marks tofacilitate the staggered placement of containers 15 between layers.Coating 45 may be any suitable marking material such as, for example,paint, colored coatings, colored mixtures, staining material, and/or anysuitable chemicals causing a change in color. Coating 45 may be anysuitable thickness such as, for example, a thin coating having athickness of a fraction of an inch. For example, coating 45 may be athin paint coating applied to an exterior surface of upper part 15 gand/or lower part 15 i. It is also contemplated that coating 45 may beapplied to side part 15 h. A shape of coating 45 may substantiallycorrespond to a shape of an outline in plan of a portion of container15. For example, a shape of coating 45 may be a substantially straightline that corresponds to a shape of a second container 15 stacked in astaggered arrangement (e.g., in plan) on top of first container 15. Forexample, coatings 45 may form a plurality of substantially parallellines. As described below, coating 45 may facilitate a steppedarrangement of structure 10 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 15 and asdiscussed below). As described further below, an interval betweencoatings 45 and/or a color of coatings 45 may vary depending on adesired stepped arrangement. Some or all containers 15 may includecoatings 45 to facilitate staggered stacking of levels of containers 15to form structure 10.

Material 30 may be disposed and retained in cavity 15 j of container 15.Material 30 may be any suitable material for filling container 15. Forexample, material 30 may be a material that may not permeate or passthrough side part 15 h. Also, for example, material 30 may be a solidmaterial and/or a mixed material. Further, for example, material 30 mayalso be a fluid that may not permeate through side part 15 h.Additionally, for example, material 30 may be a mixed cementitiousmaterial such as, for example, mixed concrete. For example, material 30may be a field mixed concrete or a ready mixed concrete. Also, forexample, material 30 may also be a non-mixing cementitious material suchas, for example, non-mixing concrete. For example, material 30 may be adesigned dry cementitious mix. Further, for example, material 30 may bea dry material. Additionally, for example, material 30 may also be amixed cementitious material including water. Also, for example, material30 may be clay, soil, organic material, and/or nonorganic fill. Further,for example, material 30 may be any suitable granular material such ascrushed rock, sand, and/or gravel. Additionally, for example, material30 may include binder such as, for example, cement such as Portlandcement, and aggregates such as, for example, sand and/or rock. Thebinder may be a rapid setting cement binder. Also, for example, material30 may further include admixtures that improve the characteristics of amix such as, for example, plasticizers, accelerating concreteadmixtures, water-reducing admixtures, shrinkage reducing admixtures,set retarding admixtures, and/or admixtures for air entrainment.Further, for example, material 30 may also include volume-increasingadmixtures. Additionally, for example, material 30 may include plastic,composite material, metal, foam, and/or wood material.

Material 30 may also, for example, include an absorbing material thatmay be substantially fully incorporated throughout material 30. Theabsorbing material may include a super-absorbent material that absorbs agreater amount of fluid than coarse or fine aggregate material used incementitious materials such as concrete. For example, the absorbingmaterial may include a super-absorbent material that may absorb agreater amount of fluid than a coarse aggregate for concrete (e.g.,coarse aggregate such as gravel and/or crushed stone having a diameter,for example, of between about ⅜″ and about 1½″) or a fine aggregate forconcrete (e.g., fine aggregate such as sand and/or crushed stone havinga diameter, for example, small enough to pass through a ⅜″ sieve). Thus,the absorbing material may include a super-absorbent material that ismore absorbent than coarse or fine aggregate material used incementitious materials such as, for example, a coarse aggregate forconcrete or a fine aggregate for concrete. For example, the absorbingmaterial may include a super-absorbent material that is a plurality offibers. For example, the absorbing material may include asuper-absorbent material that is a plurality of micro fibers. Theplurality of micro fibers may be super-absorbing micro fibers. Theabsorbing material may include a super-absorbent material that is atubular material for absorbing a fluid. For example, the absorbingmaterial may include a super-absorbent material that is a plurality oftubular-shaped fibers. The absorbing material may include asuper-absorbent material that is natural and/or synthetic absorbentmaterial. For example, the absorbing material may include asuper-absorbent material that is a natural and/or synthetic fiber. Theabsorbing material may include a super-absorbent material that is afiber material such as, for example, cellulose fibers, cotton, and/orpaper. The absorbing material may include a super-absorbent materialthat is a nano structure for absorbing a fluid such as, for example,nanotubes. The absorbing material may include a super-absorbent materialthat is any suitable micro-size material for absorbing water in acementitious composition.

Material 30 may be disposed in cavity 15 j of container 15 through anysuitable method in the art. For example, an unattached portion 50 ofcontainer 15 may be opened to allow material 30 to be inserted intocavity 15 j of container 15. Also, for example, material 30 may beplaced into cavity 15 j of container 15 prior to upper part 15 g beingattached to side part 15 h. It is also contemplated that material 30 maybe pumped into cavity 15 j of container 15 under pressure and/or thatmaterial 30 be placed into cavity 15 j of container 15 during afabrication of container 15.

Container 20 may be formed similarly to container 15, and may includesubstantially all of the same features described above in relation tocontainer 15. For example, both containers 15 and containers 20 may beinterlocked and stacked with each other using the features disclosedabove.

Fastening system 25 may include a horizontal fastening subsystem 55 anda vertical fastening subsystem 60. Horizontal fastening subsystem 55 mayfasten containers together in a horizontal direction, and verticalfastening subsystem 60 may fasten containers together in a verticaldirection.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7-9, horizontal fastening subsystem 55 mayinclude a plurality of fastening elements 65 and 70. Fastening elements65 may be any suitable element for fastening together containers suchas, for example, metal, plastic, fiber, or wooden elements. For example,fastening elements 65 may be elongated metal rods, metal cable, wirerope, steel rebar, and/or post-tensioning steel rods. Also, for example,fastening elements 65 may be rope made of fiber, elongated plasticelements, elements made from polymer, elongated wooden elements such aswooden dowels, and/or flexible material such as elastomeric material orrubber material. For example, fastening elements 65 may be elongatedsubstantially horizontal elements that horizontally fasten adjacentcontainers of structure 10. Fastening elements 65 may be attached to theexemplary disclosed containers by any suitable methods such as, forexample, fastening elements 70. Fastening elements 70 may be formed fromone or more of the materials disclosed above in relation to fasteningelement 65. Fastening elements 70 may be any suitable element forattaching fastening elements 65 to the exemplary disclosed containerssuch as, for example, a plate through which fastening element 65 may bethreaded, and/or an element attached to the exemplary disclosedcontainers (e.g., by mechanical attachment, adhesion, stitching, and/orsewing) to which element 65 may be attached. Fastening elements 65 mayalso be directly attached to the exemplary disclosed containers throughany suitable method such as, for example, mechanical attachment,adhesion, stitching, and/or sewing. Fastening elements 65 may also makea connection to the exemplary disclosed containers by frictional forcesproduced between material 30 disposed in the exemplary disclosedcontainers. For example, fastening elements 65 may extend substantiallyentirely through a width and/or length of the exemplary disclosedstructure, and may be fastened by fastening elements 70 at exteriorsurfaces of the exemplary disclosed structure. Fastening elements 65 and70 may thereby work together to produce tensile forces to pull togetherthe exemplary disclosed containers in a horizontal direction. Asillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7-9, fastening elements 65 may be disposed inmultiple horizontal directions to exert tensile forces in multipledirections to pull together the exemplary disclosed containers.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, and 7-9, vertical fastening subsystem 60may include a plurality of fastening elements 75 and 80. Fasteningelements 75 may be any suitable element for pulling and/or fasteningtogether containers such as, for example, metal, plastic, fiber, orwooden elements. For example, fastening elements 75 may be elongatedmetal rods such as, for example, steel rebar and/or post-tensioningsteel rods. Also, for example, fastening elements 75 may be elongatedplastic elements, elongated wooden elements such as wooden dowels,and/or polymeric elements. Fastening elements 75 may be attached to theexemplary disclosed containers similarly to fastening elements 65, andfastening elements 80 may be similar to fastening elements 70. Forexample, fastening elements 75 may extend substantially entirely througha height of the exemplary disclosed structure, and may be fastened byfastening elements 80 at exterior surfaces of the exemplary disclosedstructure. Fastening elements 75 may be driven through a portion of soilor other material on which the exemplary disclosed structure isconstructed. Fastening elements 75 and 80 may thereby work together toproduce forces to pull together the exemplary disclosed containers in avertical direction, and thereby pin the exemplary disclosed containersto the soil or other material on which the exemplary disclosed structureis constructed. For example, fastening element 75 may be an elongatedelement that vertically pins an exemplary disclosed container to amaterial supporting that container. It is also contemplated thatfasteners 80 may be attached at both ends of fastener 75, and tensileforces may be exerted vertically to pull the exemplary disclosedcontainers together in a vertical direction, similar to fasteningelements 65 and 70 in the horizontal direction, described above.

Fastening elements 65 and 75 may be inserted through the exemplarydisclosed containers through any suitable method. For example, fasteningelements 65 and 75 may be inserted through apertures provided in theexemplary disclosed containers and/or may be pushed or poked through theexemplary disclosed containers.

It is also contemplated that structure 10 may not include fasteningsystem 25. In an exemplary structure in which structure 10 does notinclude fastening system 25, for example, containers of structure 10 maybe held in place substantially entirely through frictional forces andgravity (e.g., through the weight of containers being stacked on eachother).

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate a structure 100, an alternative embodiment of theexemplary disclosed structure. Structure 100 may include a plurality ofcontainers that may be similar to containers 15 and 20, disclosed above,and a fastening system 25 a (e.g., including a horizontal fasteningsubsystem 55 a, a vertical fastening subsystem 60 a, fastening elements65 a, fastening elements 70 a, fastening elements 75 a, and fasteningelements 80 a) that is similar to fastening system 25, disclosed above.For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7-9, structure 100 may include one(or more) container 15, a container 105, a container 110, a container115, a container 120, a container 125, a container 130, a container 135,a container 140, a container 145, a container 150, a container 155, acontainer 160, a container 165, and a container 170. Accordingly,structure 100 may contain a significant number of differently shapedcontainers having various shapes and having the interlocking arrangementillustrated in FIGS. 7-9.

FIG. 10 illustrates a structure 200, an alternative embodiment of theexemplary disclosed structure. Structure 200 may include a plurality ofcontainers that may be similar to containers 15 and 20, disclosed above,and a fastening system 25 b (e.g., including a horizontal fasteningsubsystem 55 b, a vertical fastening subsystem 60 b, fastening elements65 b, fastening elements 70 b, fastening elements 75 b, and fasteningelements 80 b) that is similar to fastening system 25, disclosed above.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, structure 200 may include acontainer 205, a plurality of containers 210, a plurality of containers215, a plurality of containers 220, a container 225, and a plurality ofcontainers 230. Accordingly, structure 200 may contain a number ofdifferently shaped containers having various shapes and having theinterlocking arrangement illustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 illustrates a structure 300, an alternative embodiment of theexemplary disclosed structure. Structure 300 may include a plurality ofcontainers that may be similar to containers 15 and 20, disclosed above.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 11, structure 300 may include acontainer 305, a container 310, a plurality of containers 315, aplurality of containers 320, a plurality of containers 325, and aplurality of containers 330. Accordingly, structure 300 may contain anumber of differently shaped containers having various shapes and havingthe interlocking arrangement illustrated in FIG. 11. Structure 300 maynot include a fastening system. It is contemplated that any of thedisclosed exemplary disclosed structures may also not include afastening system. It is also contemplated that structure 300 may includea fastening system.

FIG. 12 illustrates a structure 400, an alternative embodiment of theexemplary disclosed structure. Structure 400 may include a plurality ofcontainers that may be similar to containers 15 and 20, disclosed above,and a fastening system 25 d (e.g., including a horizontal fasteningsubsystem 55 d, a vertical fastening subsystem 60 d, fastening elements65 d, fastening elements 70 d, fastening elements 75 d, and fasteningelements 80 d) that is similar to fastening system 25, disclosed above.For example, as illustrated in FIG. 12, structure 400 may include acontainer 405, a plurality of containers 410, a plurality of containers415, a plurality of containers 420, a container 425, and a plurality ofcontainers 430. Accordingly, structure 400 may contain a number ofdifferently shaped containers having various shapes and having theinterlocking arrangement illustrated in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary erosion control system 500 that mayinclude a structure 510 that may be similar to any of the abovedisclosed exemplary structures. Erosion control system 500 may be, forexample, a gravity retaining wall system or an erosion control systemsuch as a riparian wall. For example, structure 510 may be a massgravity wall. Structure 510 may be disposed near a structural system 520such as, for example, a transportation system such as a bridge. It isalso contemplated that structural system 520 may be any other suitablestructure such as, for example, a commercial, residential, or militarybuilding system, a water resources structure, and/or a transportationinfrastructure system such as an airport, railroad, or highwaystructure. Structure 510 may substantially block a flow of a water body530 (e.g., a portion of a river, lake, ocean, and/or rainfall runoff)when, for example, a surface level 540 of water body 530 rises due toflooding and/or extreme weather.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary military defense system 600 that mayinclude a structure 610 that may be similar to any of the abovedisclosed exemplary structures. For example, structure 610 may be anysuitable military structure such as a bunker or a part of a bunkersystem, a part of military earthworks, a road checkpoint, a commandpost, part of a perimeter defense, an observation post, or part of adefense system in an urban area. Structure 610 may include a pluralityof reinforcing elements 620 that may be disposed in and/or beneathcontainers disposed above apertures of structure 610, thereby furtherreinforcing containers disposed above the apertures. Reinforcingelements 620 may be any suitable reinforcement such as, for example,metal reinforcing bars, metal reinforcement, fiber reinforcement, orelongated wooden or plastic elements. When material contained in thecontainers includes concrete, reinforcing elements 620 may providereinforcement for the concrete included in the containers, therebyforming reinforced beams above apertures of structure 610.

FIG. 15 illustrates another exemplary erosion control system 700 thatmay include a structure 710 that may be similar to any of the abovedisclosed exemplary structures. As illustrated in FIG. 15, structure 710may have a stepped arrangement including a plurality of steppedcontainers 720. Coatings 45, as discussed above and illustrated in FIG.5, may facilitate forming the stepped arrangement of structure 710. Forexample, personnel may stack ends of containers 720 to be aligned withcoatings 45 disposed on containers 720 that have already been placed,thereby forming the stepped arrangement of structure 710 as illustratedin FIG. 15. Intervals between coatings 45 may vary, based on a desiredheight of structure 710. Accordingly, for example, the steppingintervals (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 5) between stepped containers720 may vary based on a desired height of structure 710.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The exemplary disclosed structure may be used in any suitableconstruction or structural application. The exemplary disclosedstructure may be used in an application such as, for example, erosioncontrol systems, transportation and building structures, water courselimitations, waterways, infrastructure, military structures, andvehicular barricades. For example, the exemplary disclosed structure maybe used in erosion control systems in areas subject to flooding and indefensive military systems. Also, for example, the exemplary disclosedstructure may be used in any structural application where increasedlateral resistance and/or impact resistance is appropriate.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, container 15 may be fabricated as an integralcontainer including upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and lower part 15 ithat are integral with each other. Alternatively, upper part 15 g, sidepart 15 h, and lower part 15 i may be attached together by stitching,sewing, adhesive, and/or mechanical fasteners, or some portions of upperpart 15 g, side part 15 h, and lower part 15 i may be attached togetherand some portions of upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, and lower part 15i may be integral with each other. Upper part 15 g, side part 15 h, andlower part 15 i form cavity 15 j.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, cover 35 may be removably attached bystitching, sewing, adhesion, and/or mechanical fastening to side part 15h before, during, or after a fabrication of container 15. Cover 35substantially prevents liquid such as water from passing through sidepart 15 h when cover 35 is attached to side part 15 h.

Coating 40 is coated onto upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i before,during, or after a fabrication of container 15. Coating 45 is coatedonto upper part 15 g and/or lower part 15 i following an application ofcoating 40.

Cavity 15 j is partially or substantially filled with material 30 duringor after a fabrication of container 15. Container 15 is closed aftermaterial 30 is disposed in cavity 15 j. For example, portion 50illustrated in FIG. 6 is closed and attached to other portions ofcontainer 15 so that material 30 is retained in container 15 whencontainer 15 is transported.

Container 15 may be partially or fully fabricated at a location that isremote from where structure 10 is to be constructed. For example,container 15 may be partially or fully fabricated in a factory or othersuitable shop. Container 15 may also be filled with material 30 at alocation that is remote from where structure 10 is to be constructed.Container 15 may also be filled with material 30 at a location wherestructure 10 is to be constructed. For example, container 15 may bepartially or fully fabricated at a location that is remote from wherestructure 10 is to be constructed, and then container 15 may betransported to and filled at a location where structure 10 is to beconstructed. A fabrication of container 15 may also be completed andcontainer 15 filled with material 30 at a location where structure 10 isto be constructed. Container 15 may also be substantially entirelyfabricated and filled with material 30 at a location where structure 10is to be completed. Because container 15 may be transported before beingfilled with material 30, transportation costs may be reduced.

After container 15 is fabricated and cover 35 is removably attached,coatings 40 and 45 are applied, and material 30 is disposed in cavity 15j, container 15 is provided as a part of structure 10. When cover 35 isattached to side part 15 h, cover 35 substantially prevents a flowand/or infiltration of liquid such as water through side part 15 h ofcontainer 15. When coating 40 is a nonpermeable coating, coating 40substantially prevents a flow of liquid such as water through upper part15 g and lower part 15 i of container 15. Accordingly, when cover 35 isattached to side part 15 h and when coating 40 that is a nonpermeablecoating is applied to upper part 15 g and lower part 15 i, a saturationand/or hydration of material 30 disposed in cavity 15 j may besubstantially prevented. Hydration and/or saturation of material 30 maythereby be substantially prevented during fabrication and/ortransportation of container 15, and/or construction of structure 10. Forexample, when material 30 is a dry material such as dry non-mixingconcrete, hydration of the dry non-mixing concrete is substantiallyprevented.

Containers 20 may be utilized similarly to the method described abovefor container 15. As described above and as illustrated in FIG. 1, aplurality of containers 15 and containers 20 are interlocked viarespective protrusions 15 a, protrusions 15 b, recesses 15 c, recesses15 d, protrusions 20 a, protrusions 20 b, recesses 20 c, and recesses 20d. Interlocked layers of containers 15 and containers 20 are stacked onother interlocking layers of containers 15 and containers 20, asillustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Interlocking layers of containers 15 andcontainers 20 may be stacked in a staggered and/or stepped pattern usingcoatings 45, as described above and as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 15.

As each container 15 and container 20 is added and interlocked intostructure 10, some, most, or substantially all covers 35 are removed. Itis also contemplated that some, most, or substantially all covers 35 maybe left attached to containers 15 and containers 20. Covers 35 may beripped off by construction personnel as containers 15 and containers 20are interlocked to assemble structure 10. After covers 35 are removedfrom respective containers 15 and containers 20, liquid such as water isable flow into those containers 15 and containers 20 and saturate and/orhydrate material 30 disposed within those containers 15 and 20. Fluidsuch as water that enters cavity 15 j may moisten, saturate, and/orhydrate material 30, thereby increasing a weight of material 30.

For example, when material 30 is dry non-mixing concrete, fluid such aswater entering containers 15 and containers 20 initiates hydration ofmaterial 30. Combining fluid such as water with material 30 when itincludes a concrete mix forms a cement paste by a process of hydration.During hydration, the cement paste both cements together and fills voidsbetween concrete aggregate and other elements of material 30 when itincludes a concrete mix. The hydration process involves numerousdifferent chemical reactions that may occur simultaneously and/or insuccession. Hydration causes the components of material 30 when it is aconcrete mix to bond together to form a solid matrix. After undergoinghydration, material 30 when it is a concrete mix becomes a solid,hydrated or crystallized matrix. For example, material 30 that is aconcrete mix becomes hardened concrete through hydration.

Fastening system 25 may be installed during and/or after theconstruction of structure 10. To assemble fastening system 25, fasteningelements 65 and fastening elements 70 of horizontal fastening subsystem55 and fastening elements 75 and fastening elements 80 of verticalfastening subsystem 60 are assembled through and onto the interlockinglayers of containers 15 and containers 20 as described above and asillustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9. Construction personnel use suitableequipment such as jacks, hand tools, power tools, and automated machinesto tighten and/or adjust fastening elements 65 and fastening elements 75to pull interlocking containers 15 and 20 together tightly, therebysubstantially reducing gaps and voids between adjacent containers 15 andcontainers 20. Structure 10 may thereby be fastened together and pinnedto the earth or other material on which structure 10 is supported viafastening system 25.

Structure 10 possesses relatively increased lateral resistance againstexternal forces. The interlocking action of respective protrusions 15 a,protrusions 15 b, recesses 15 c, recesses 15 d, protrusions 20 a,protrusions 20 b, recesses 20 c, and recesses 20 d increases lateralresistance of structure 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, ForceP_(A) applied to structure 10 causes internal forces to be developed instructure 10, which are resisted by the interlocking of respectiveprotrusions and recesses. For example, force P_(A) is resisted by acombination of two interlocked containers 15 via the bearing forcesP_(B) and P_(C) developed between protrusion 15 b and recess 15 c. Thisinterlocking may create a horizontal interlocking copulation, providingresistance to lateral movement. Tension and compressive forces may bedeveloped through the positive connection between protrusions andrecesses of the interlocking containers of structure 10, which causesincreased transfer of forces (e.g., more efficient transfer of forces)between the interlocking containers of structure 10. The dispersion ofloads throughout structure 10 is thereby increased. The staggering ofcontainers throughout structure 10 (e.g., the staggering between seams22 and 24 as illustrated in FIG. 1) may also increase the dispersion offorces throughout structure 10. This interlocking arrangement betweenthe plurality of protrusions and recesses of containers 15 andcontainers 20 causes structure 10 to act as an integrated structure inresisting lateral external forces.

The frictional resistance (e.g., frictional force) developed betweencoatings 40 of stacked interlocking layers of containers 15 andcontainers 20 also increases lateral resistance of structure 10. Coating40 disposed on upper part 15 g of a first container 15 and coating 40disposed on lower part 15 i of a second container 15 stacked on top offirst container 15 increase the frictional force between stackedinterlocking layers of containers. Coating 40 thereby more effectivelytransfers forces between stacked layers of structure 10. This increasedfrictional resistance (e.g., frictional force) between stacked layers ofcontainers 15 and containers 20 causes structure 10 to act as anintegrated structure along it height in resisting lateral externalforces. Additionally, the weight applied by containers stacked above anygiven frictional plane further increases the frictional resistance(e.g., F_(f)=μ_(s)*N, where F_(f)=frictional force or frictionalresistance, μ_(s)=static friction coefficient, and N=weight ofcontainers stacked above frictional plane; as N increases, thefrictional force or frictional resistance F_(f) increases). Therefore,as additional containers are stacked on a given container, thefrictional force developed at a frictional plane associated with thegiven container increases.

When covers 35 are removed from containers 15 and containers 20 to allowliquid such as water to saturate and/or hydrate material 30 disposed incontainers 15 and containers 20, a lateral resistance of structure 10 isincreased. Saturated and/or hydrated material 30 weighs more than thesame material 30 when dry. The relatively heavier saturated and/orhydrated material 30 has an increased weight and lateral resistance ascompared to relatively dry material 30, thereby increasing itsresistance to lateral external forces. For example, when material 30 isa concrete mix, material 30 undergoes hydration to become hardenedconcrete having a relatively heavy weight and high lateral resistance.

For example, when material 30 disposed in containers 15 and 20 includesthe absorbing material, described above, liquid such as water isabsorbed by the absorbing material when covers 35 are removed. As theabsorbing material absorbs the fluid, a weight of the absorbing materialincreases, thereby increasing a weight of material 30. When material 30is dry non-mixing concrete, material 30 undergoes hydration when exposedto fluid such as water entering containers 15 and containers 20 whencovers 35 are removed. As fluid is absorbed into the absorbing materialdisposed in hydrated material 30, the weight of material 30 furtherincreases (because a volume or size of a hydrated matrix of material 30remains substantially constant as additional fluid is absorbed into theabsorbing material). Absorbing material disposed in material 30 therebyfurther increases the weight of material 30 and the lateral resistanceof structure 10 (e.g., as described above regarding the frictional forceF_(f)=μ_(s)*N, increasing the weight of material 30 will increase N,thereby increasing F_(f), which increases the lateral resistance ofstructure 10 to external lateral forces). It is also contemplated that aweight of material 30 may decrease when fluid such as water evaporatesfrom material 30 and the absorbing material disposed in material 30dries out.

Fastening system 25 also increases the lateral resistance of structure10. As described above, fastening system 25 pulls interlockingcontainers 15 and 20 together tightly, causing structure 10 to actfurther as an integrated structure against lateral external forces.Fastening system 25 also pins structure 10 to the earth or othermaterial supporting structure 10 via fastening elements 75, furtherincreasing the lateral resistance of structure 10.

Structure 10 may be reusable. After structure 10 has been constructed,fastening system 25 may be disassembled from structure 10 and removed.Containers 15 and containers 20 may be separated from their interlockingarrangement and transported from the location of structure 10. Material30 may be emptied from containers 15 and containers 20, for example, atthe location of structure 10 or at another location. For example,containers 15 and containers 20 may be bags and material 30 may bematerial such as sand and/or gravel that is emptied from containers 15and containers 20. Containers 15 and containers 20 and fastening system25 may then be stored at the same site or transported to anotherlocation, and subsequently used in a new structure 10.

Any of the exemplary structures described in the present application maybe used similarly to the method described above for containers 15 and 20of structure 10. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, structure 510that is similar to structure 10 may be constructed as part of erosioncontrol system 500 adjacent to structural system 520. If surface level540 of water body 530 rises, it will apply a lateral external force pagainst structure 510. Liquid such as water from water body 530 willalso flow into structure 510 having covers (e.g., similar to covers 35)that are removed. As described above for structure 10, structure 610will possess increased lateral resistance against lateral external forcep due to the above exemplary disclosed features.

The exemplary disclosed structure may have relatively high lateralresistance to external forces. The interlocking arrangement between theplurality of protrusions and recesses of the exemplary disclosedcontainers may cause the exemplary disclosed structure to act as anintegrated structure in resisting lateral external forces. The increasedfrictional resistance between stacked layers of exemplary disclosedcontainers coated with exemplary disclosed coatings may increaseresistance to lateral external forces. The exemplary disclosed structuremay include exemplary disclosed covers that may be removed to allowmaterial contained in the structure to be saturated and/or hydrated,which may increase lateral resistance to external forces. The exemplarydisclosed structure may require relatively fewer containers thanconventional systems to provide an appropriate amount of lateralresistance. The exemplary disclosed structure may be reusable and may betransported without fill material, reducing costs associated with usingthe system.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the disclosed structure andmethod for using the structure. Other embodiments will be apparent tothose skilled in the art from consideration of the specification andpractice of the disclosed structure and method. It is intended that thespecification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a truescope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A system comprising: a first layer of containers ina first plane; a second layer of containers in a second plane, thesecond layer of containers layered on top of the first layer ofcontainers; each container comprising: a concave portion and a convexportion, the convex portion configured to protrude into the concaveportion of an adjacent, in plane container to interlock with theadjacent container; a material disposed in the container; and a sidesurface that is permeable to water to allow water to enter thecontainer.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the concave and convexportions cause the system to have a higher resistance to lateral forcesapplied to the system than the system would have absent the concave andconvex portions.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein each containercomprises a plurality of concave portions and convex portions, and eachcontainer is adapted to interlock with a plurality of adjacentcontainers via the plurality of concave and convex portions.
 25. Thesystem of claim 24, further comprising fastening elements that penetratea plurality of containers in the first layer of containers and/or thesecond layer of containers, the fastening elements serving to furtherincrease a resistance to forces applied to the system, wherein thefastening elements are selected from the group consisting of metal rods,metal cable, wire rope, steel rebar, post-tensioning steel rods, andfiber-reinforced plastic rods.
 26. The system of claim 22, furthercomprising a third layer of containers stacked on top of the secondlayer of containers.
 27. The system of claim 22, wherein the sidesurface comprises a permeable material.
 28. The system of claim 22,further comprising a removable cover, at least a portion of which isnon-permeable to water.
 29. The system of claim 22, wherein at least aportion of the top and bottom surfaces are non-permeable to water. 30.The system of claim 22, further comprising a coating on at least onesurface, the coating serving to increase a coefficient of frictionbetween containers in the first layer and second layer.
 31. The systemof claim 22, wherein the containers in the second layer are staggeredwith respect to the containers in the first layer.
 32. The system ofclaim 22, wherein the material disposed in the container is a granularmaterial.
 33. The system of claim 22, wherein the material disposed inthe container is a cementitious mix that solidifies upon being exposedto water that enters the container through the side surface of thecontainer.
 34. A method comprising: stacking a second layer ofcontainers on top of a first layer of containers, the first layer ofcontainers being in a first plane and the second layer of containersbeing in a second plane; wherein each container comprises: a concaveportion and a convex portion, the convex portion configured to protrudeinto the concave portion of an adjacent, in plane container to interlockwith the adjacent container; a material disposed in the container; and aside surface that is permeable to water to allow water to enter thecontainer.
 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the concave and convexportions cause the system to have a higher resistance to lateral forcesapplied to the stacked containers than the stacked containers would haveabsent the concave and convex portions.
 36. The method of claim 34,wherein each container comprises a plurality of concave portions andconvex portions, and each container is adapted to interlock with aplurality of adjacent, in plane containers via the plurality of concaveand convex portions.
 37. The method of claim 34, further comprisinginserting fastening elements into a plurality of containers in the firstlayer of containers and/or the second layer of containers, the fasteningelements serving to further increase a resistance to forces applied tothe stacked containers, wherein the fastening elements are selected fromthe group consisting of metal rods, metal cable, wire rope, steel rebar,post-tensioning steel rods, and fiber-reinforced plastic rods.
 38. Themethod of claim 34, further comprising stacking a third layer ofcontainers on top of the second row of containers, the third layer ofcontainers being in a third plane.
 39. The method of claim 34, whereinthe side surface comprises a permeable material.
 40. The method of claim34, further comprising removing a cover from the containers, at least aportion of the cover being non-permeable to water.
 41. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the containers comprise a coating on at least onesurface, the coating serving to increase a coefficient of frictionbetween containers in the first layer and the second layer.